Library Visit #1 - Timbrook Public Library

Fleming, S. (2020). Timbrook Library [Photograph].

Digital Access

The web address for the Timbrook library is as follows: https://campbellcountylibraries.org/locations/timbrook. The site is easy to navigate and has the different services that they offer separated into tabs on the homepage. The calendar on the homepage features the library events, which are a mix of events for children and adults. The staff are listed on the website. The positions featured include the library director, branch managers, professional services librarians, adult services librarians, events and experiences team, and adult literacy librarians. Patrons can contact library staff by either phone or email. There are several services available through the website, like digital books, audio books, and requests for interlibrary loans. As stated by Rubin and Rubin (2020), "...people no longer expect to physically go to the library to receive all their library services" (p. 23). This is evident through the amount of resources that are accessible through the library website.

Fleming, S. (2020). Children's Section [Photograph].

Space and Physical Access

Timbrook Public library is located in Campbell County in Lynchburg, Virginia. From the outside, the library looks a bit like a house. It is a single-storey brick building. It's on the smaller side for a public library. However, there is a small lake to the left side of the building and a walking trail to the right. The parking lot is big enough for several cars. There are bins for book returns in front of the building. There are also bike racks. Closer to the edge of the road, there's a large sign with the library's name.

There are different types of spaces once inside the library. Of course, there are rows of bookshelves full of books. There is a designated children's section with bookshelves that are half the height of the adult section. There is a quiet room at the front that looks like it is meant for adults. There is a reading room for children as well, behind the childrens' book section. There are tables and chairs in multiple places throughout the library as well. There are bays for computers, separated with privacy dividers. The library usually has featured displays over by the checkout desk. This time, there was a display celebrating Native American Heritage Month. There was a large selection of books in all age groups that were relevant to that celebration.

The library is usually decorated for the seasons, and during this visit, there was fall themed decor (like pumpkins and fall leaves) on the tables and walls. Overall, the atmosphere was very welcoming and comfortable. The layout of the library may be hard to navigate for some patrons with physical disabilities. The adult section, for example, has the shelves so close together that I'm not sure that someone in a wheelchair could freely navigate amongst them. This is likely due to the smallness of the overall library space. I also didn't notice a ramp on the outside to avoid the step-up of the curb to get inside.

Fleming, S. (2020). Bookshelves [Photograph].

Services and Intellectual Access

The library advertised several different programs. There was a table with a large sign when I first walked in advertising a free adult literacy program. The library was requesting volunteers for tutors willing to work with adults on reading, writing, and English language skills. There were also pamphlets or signs set around the library in various places advertising programs like access to digital or audio books, language programs for those hoping to learn or improve language skills, and "How To's" for accessing other online resources. There was also a sign that encouraged patrons to ask the librarians if they needed assistance locating a book or resource. The library catalog is accessible through a centrally located set of computers. One of my favorite aspects about the library is the digital self-checkout and check-in option. I feel like this allows patrons who don't have questions to check out their books on their own and avoid lines while allowing the librarians to help those who need it with other tasks.

The library offers free internet. They provide printing, faxing, and laminating services. There are small fees associated with those services, however. They also offer a notary service free of charge.

The library books are organized in two ways. The books are sectioned based on age and genre. From there, they are sorted alphabetically by the author's last name. The first shelf of the adult section also has a "New Reads" section that features newly acquired books and has advertisements showing books that will be available soon along with the anticipated date of availability.

Fleming, S. (2020). Story Walk [Photograph].

When walking up to the library from the outside, there are signs advertising the library's "Story Walk." Each month, there's a new featured children's story. This month, the featured text was titled Twig by Aura Parker. Patrons can follow blue podiums around the outside of the library, reading a page set from the book at each one until the book is completed. It's a great way to encourage patrons to be physically active and enjoy the space outside of the library, which is really pretty depending on the time of the year. Right now, for example, the trees in this area of Virginia are all shades of fall colors. There are leaves in bright orange, red, green, and browns.

As far as diversity goes, I felt that the overall focus of the library felt welcoming and inclusive. The collections were diverse. However, as stated above, due to the layout of the library, it may be difficult for patrons with physical disabilities to fully navigate inside the library. The fees associated with printing and other services may also exclude some patrons who can't afford the access.

People (Patrons and Staff)

This library serves the public. You can tell from the inside that the library really focuses on having a good collection and space for children. When I visited, there were several children present with their parents. There are scheduled events for homeschool group meetups on the library calendar. There were also Lego based STEM events for children in grades K-6 to attend on the calendar as well. There are events aimed at older children too, like "Teen Trivia" for ages 12-17.

The literacy program makes it clear that the library is trying to serve a diverse population. The literacy program is for adults, while most literacy programs focus on children. This would help patrons who are learning the English language or who just need improvement in reading or writing. There were patrons of different backgrounds present in the library during my trip. There were several people taking advantage of the free wifi and internet on the computers.

There were two library staff members present. One was a male and the other was a female. They were both working the check-out desk and helping library patrons with questions.

Fleming, S. (2020). Literacy Tutors Needed [Photograph].

Collections

The library has the normal collection of books, of course. They even offer sets of books that can be checked out together for book club meetings. They also offer a selection of movies and audiobooks that can be checked out. I was really impressed by the other selections that the library offers, however. They have a program called "Beyond Books" that allows library patrons to check out items like board games, tools and gardening equipment, baking tools, exercise equipment, and crafting tools. They also have free kits that they give out every few months that feature a "DIY" style stem project for children. According to Rubin and Rubin (2020), "Many libraries, particularly public libraries, offer support for lifelong learning through informal educational programming as well as by providing access to self-directed learning materials and resources in physical and digital formats" (p. 18). This collection of real-life tools for patrons definitely supports the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Other

This was a pleasant library visit. The library felt cozy and well-cared for. It felt inclusive. They even had a snack table where snacks could be purchased, which was surprising for a library. I even added a few books to my "to be read" list based on the selection I found there. I was impressed by the access the library provided to tools and programs other than just books. According to Rubin and Rubin (2020), "The fundamental contribution of libraries and librarians to our social and educational infrastructure is profound; the work of our profession is essential" (p. 12). I felt that this was true when considering the diverse tools and services that this (and most) libraries offer to their patrons.

References:

Rubin, R. E., & Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.).

ALA Neal-Schuman.